One of the best-known symbols of big business, the yacht HIGHLANDER, which hosted Margaret Thatcher and President Reagan among other heads of state, is available for charter for the first time.

During her early years, when she cruised the east coast of the USA, the guest list read like a who’s who of world glamour and power. THE HIGHLANDER, as she was then known, was built in 1986 for Malcolm Forbes, the Publisher of Forbes magazine, who died in 1990. The yacht hosted HRH Prince Charles, President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, as well as movie stars such as Robert de Niro, Elizabeth Taylor and Harrison Ford, and musicians like Mick Jagger and Sir Paul McCartney.

HIGHLANDER is available for charter from today through superyacht broker Edmiston, with prices starting from €160,000 per week. She will be based initially in the Mediterranean before moving to the Caribbean later in the year.

The Forbes family have commented: “The entire Forbes family is thrilled to see the iconic yacht, created by Jon Bannenberg for our late father, not only being cherished by its new owners, but also stunningly adapted to the needs of 21st century family life.”

Now owned by American financier Roberto de Guardiola, who purchased the yacht in 2012, HIGHLANDER has recently undergone a comprehensive refit in Florida including substantial interior changes, lengthening of the hull, major mechanical overhaul and a full paint.

Built in 1986 by Feadship, HIGHLANDER is 50metres/162feet long and has a cruising speed of 13 knots. She has six staterooms, which can comfortably sleep up to 12 guests, and holds a crew of 11 people. Quantum zero-speed stabilisers ensure a fantastic cruising performance.

Edmiston recently announced that the yacht market was recovering markedly, with five yachts sold in five weeks. At a total asking price of over €40million.

Edmiston has already seen a surge in charter bookings for summer 2014, up by 15% on the previous year, and is now seeing buyers from traditional markets return, a sign that the economic upturn is starting to take hold.